Otto schmidt



(1 10 Model.)

0. SCHMIDT. CATCH FOR BIB POINTS OF UMBRELLAS. No. 476,561.

Patented June '7, 1892.

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um, wlsmNGToN n c UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

OTTO SCHMIDT, OF BERLIN, GERMANY.

CATCH FOR RIB-POINTS OF UMBRELLAS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 476,561, dated June *7, 1892.

Application filed August 28, 1890- Serial No, 363,301. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, OTTO SCHMIDT, a resident of the city of Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Catch es for the Rib-Points of Umbrellas; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

The sliding thimble hitherto serving as a catch for the rib-points had this drawback, that unless the umbrella was carefully closed, or in case it was an old one, a simple sliding forward of the thimble was not sufficient and the operation had to be frequently repeated until all the points were inclosed. As aresult of this drawback one had to grasp all the points in one hand, bring them all together, and then slide the thimble over them.

The object of this invention is to remedy the evil above described by a catch for the rib-points not in the form of a thimble to he slid over the points, but a split ring, which will bring the points together.

In the annexed drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show an umbrella fitted up with the new catch for the rib-points in two positions of practical application. Figs. 3, 4t, and 5 show the catch on a large scale during the various stages of practical application.

The divided ring 13 is fastened loosely to the umbrella-stick A above the rib-points. The part of the ring B which can be laid back has a notched spring a and a releasing-pin l) to force it open, while the part of the ring which remains fixed to the umbrella-stick has a notch for the tooth of this spring. When the umbrella is opened, the ring rests closed up on the side of the stick, Fig. 3; but if the umbrella is lowered the ringis brought into use, Fig. 4, drawn-out position. Then the divided ring is placed in a vertical position,so that it encircles the stick and a part of the rib-points, Fig. 5, and it is then closed together, Fig. 1. The part of the ring laid back encircles all the other rib-points and holds them fast together after the recoil of the spring. To set free the rib-points, 1, reverse the above proceedings. It is clear that with this manner of bringing the rib'points together not a single one can remain outside the catch and that the new catch will attain the desired object under all circumstances. Besides the very palpable effect produced it answers yet another purpose, for it not only makes a pretty ornament for the handle, but may be used to great advantage for hanging up the umbrella.

Hitherto it has been impossible to hang up an umbrella with a straight catch or With a straight stick, and this was found very inconvenient when one desired to get rid of the incumbrance, say, in public places. This want has been supplied by the new rib-points catch, for all one has to do is to place the ring B in the position shown in Fig. 4,and he can then hang up theumbrella with ease. To strengthen this particular use of the catch, the fastening securing the ring to the stick can be so arranged that the ring may be pushed up or down.

Instead of making the one half of the ring so as to fit into the notch of the other half, I can of course so arrange it as to fasten within the first; but this change is not recommended.

hat I claim is A fastening device for the rib-poin ts of umbrellas, consisting of a divided ring B, secu red to the umbrella-handle by a swivel-joint, said ring being hinged at one point and separable at another point, a notched spring on the under side of the movable portion, a notch on the underside of the portion which is attached to the handle and which is engaged by the notched spring, and a releasing-pin I) for forcing the notched spring open, substantially as described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two witnesses.

OTTO SCHMIDT. Witnesses:

OSCAR SCHMEIDLER, GOTTFRIED NIEMoLLER. 

